Sunday, August 1, 2010

St. Peter Julian Eymard

August 2nd brings the feast day of this great Priest who founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. He was a Priest in the 19th century in France who had a great devotion to both the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary. His efforts inspired many Catholics to return to the practice of frequent reception of communion and Eucharistic Adoration. He wrote many books most focusing on the Eucharist.

One of his contemporaries was St. John Vianney.

He died in 1868 and his influence grew after his death. Calls for his canonization came early and often. He was eventually canonized in 1962 by Pope John 23rd during the early days of Vatican II.

Through his efforts, and those of others as well, St. Peter Julian Eymard helped usher in a renewal of Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction at the parish level and a healthy understanding of the theology of the Eucharist.

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